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Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. These narratives explore multifaceted themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.

The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?

A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.

The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.

The Global AI Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

The most impactful narratives